TIPPLE OF CHOICE

THE fold-out Formica bar takes pride of place in the Mosses’ home. Stocked with gin, brandy and whisky, it’s the first thing Beverly turns to after a hard day’s housewife-ing. Shimmying into her front room, she pours herself a stiff G&T in a heavy cut-glass tumbler, then, with a few puffs on a Rothman’s cigarette, collapses onto the brown leather sofa. When posh Sue from next door asks for sherry, Beverly doesn’t admit to not having any but steers her towards a gin and tonic instead. Today, the neighbourly glass of sweet brown sherry is all but dead, though the paler Fino sherry has made a comeback as an accompaniment to tapas. After Coronation Street’s Jack and Vera Duckworth installed a mini-bar in their home, the fashion for home bars sank. Today, you’re more likely to be served white wine straight from the fridge. LET’S GET THE PARTY STARTED . . . THEN: Sparkling Babycham in a special glass (left) with an embossed deer motif. NOW: Sparkling Prosecco in amber tumblers from Duralex. THEN: Campari and soda. NOW: Aperol spritz — Aperol mixed with prosecco and soda. THEN: Impossible-to-open Watneys Party 7 in a seven-pint can. NOW: Individual bottles of craft beer with designer labels. THEN: Harvey Wallbanger cocktail. NOW: Vodka and cranberry juice. THE SOFT OPTION THEN: Orange squash. NOW: Elderflower cordial; fizzy water. DIGESTIF THEN: Grand Marnier, Chartreuse or Benedictine. NOW: Amaro or grappa Italian liqueurs.